iPad alternatives

pollyanna24

I know there are loads of different tablets out there, but I don't know anything about them.

I have an iPhone and my girls have loads of games on it, and my brother has a iPad which he has downloaded apps for them.

But if you have one of the cheaper tablets, are they just as good? Can you still go in the same app store and have the same selection of apps to download (I mainly do the free ones for my children).

tea_lover

I've got a google nexus and I love it. It's andriod, so apps come from the google play store (rather than the app store) but you can get just the same things.

OH has an ipad and we've never seen a difference between the two in terms of available apps, functionality, etc.

GBNI

With other tablets, you won't use the iTunes store for apps, chances are it will be Google Play but most apps are sold in both.

I'm looking to buy the Hudl 2, it gets really good reviews.

Wouldn't recommend the Kindle Fire. OH has one and it's awful to work with.

19lottie82

It depends what you mean by "cheaper".......

In general, tablets of the same specs, are usually the same price as ipads or only slightly cheaper (higher end galaxy or nexus, android tablets).

All Android tablets will download android apps, iPads will download apple apps, and windows tablets will download windows apps.

The real difference with cheaper tablets is the screen resolution may be poorer, as will the processors, so they will become "sluggish" easier.....

However, there is really no need for a high end tablet for kids, a Hudl would be a good alternative.

InsideInsurance

Seems strange to post this in Relationships rather than the Technology forum. If you do venture over there you will see a lot of people cross comparing tablets at all sorts of price points.

Apple has its own ecosystem that is almost unique to it. There are a few ways of forcing your way into it with a computer (aka a Hackingtosh) but you are basically having to mirror their hardware. Not seen anyone attempt anything similar with the iOS environment yet.

Android and Windows have their own ecosystems though both are much more open than Apple's which has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Apple only produce top tier devices without often being on the true bleeding edge. Outside of Apple you have some very cheap unbranded pieces of kit coming out of China with very low performance and some that are certainly peers of Apple but typically have fairly similar prices too.

I have to admit being a big fan of Apple, for the class of items Apple makes, we use their products for all of them - though that will stop when the Apple Watch comes out. That said, if I were to get young children a tablet then I would certainly be looking at a much cheaper one than an iPad where I wouldnt be so bothered if the screen got cracked or a drink split over it etc.

jog

My husband has just got himself a Hudl 2, I've got an ipad, have to say I'm very impressed with his Hudl, as has already been said you can get most of the same games from either of the stores, and I think for children something like the hudl would be fine.

I guess it largely depends on what sort of budget you have in mind. When my husband got his hudl 2 last week we were able to double up some tesco clubcard vouchers so it was even cheaper.

Since being stupid enough to download ios8 to my ipad I've been getting really fed up with it being very laggy, and when the time comes to replace my ipad, I'll probably go over to an androad device of som sort, quite possibly a hudl.

Blat56

I have the Samsung s3 Tab and love it. However I would be equally happy with the Hudl. I personally feel the ipad is more of a kids fashion and unnecessary unless you need to have iTunes.

pinkshoes

I have an iPad air and also use a Samsung tablet. Samsung wins hands down other than there are a few more apps for the iPad. Most apps are now made for both nowadays though.

PlymouthMaid

My daughters bought me a tablet by Ainol two years ago. It has been excellent. I use Googe Playstore and I think you can get everything as normal. There are a few Japanese icons but they are easily disposed of.